Rolls-Royce’s hybrid engine concept adds performance, stealth to tanks

While the US military is looking to move its fleet away from diesel engines and onto electric ones, Rolls-Royce’s concept is an intermediate step that could help armies transition slowly from fuel-guzzling vehicles to more environment-friendly ones. An added advantage is the addition of a stealth element to the vehicles. 

“This propulsion concept will expand the operational possibilities of future tracked armored vehicles in a way that was previously hardly imaginable. We are convinced that we are making an important contribution to the further development of the defense capabilities of NATO and its allies,” said Christian Wolf, Head of Development for Military Engines and Systems at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, in a press release

Stealth tanks in the future

The shift to electric power in tanks and military vehicles isn’t just due to environmental concerns. With the increased use of electronic components in modern warfare, military vehicles now also need onboard electric power for their advanced systems. 

The hybrid propulsion system unveiled by Rolls Royce is intended to address this requirement for the military and boost the performance of its vehicles. The existing diesel engines on the vehicle will be used to charge high-performance batteries when the tank is operating normally. 

When tactics demand, the tank can switch to an anti-idling mode, powered by the energy stored in the batteries. Being electric, this power will be delivered silently and with a minimal thermal footprint since it isn’t being burnt actively on the vehicle. 

Additionally, the company is also working on a customized silencer that can further lower the vehicle’s noise levels. Put together, this can help militaries improve the stealth of their tanks. 

Performance boost

An added advantage of the hybrid propulsion system is that hybrid vehicles in the civilian space also reap benefits of – boost in performance. When the tank needs additional power during combat, it can tap into the battery reserve and improve its acceleration or top speed. 

“For the first time, vehicle manufacturers will be able to realize completely new vehicle concepts, whereby the hybrid concept can in principle be implemented with any engine series from the mtu military propulsion program,” Wolf added in the press release. 

Rolls-Royce has also unveiled the concept of its 10-cylinder variant for its popular mtu Series 199 propulsion system, which has a power output of 1,100 kW.

This engine will power vehicles weighing 50-70 tonnes. The company has also ensured that the engine’s modular design allows it to be used not only for new vehicles but also for existing vehicles. 

In the future, the company wants to deliver 1,200 kW in this engine series. 

“This underlines the importance we attach to our partnership with NATO countries and their allies in safeguarding their security interests,” said Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems in the press release.

“Because cooperation with the security authorities is one of Rolls-Royce’s strategic initiatives, we will continue to be a reliable partner as a supplier of propulsion systems for military vehicles with our decades of technological expertise.”

Both the propulsion systems concepts premiered at the Eurosatory defense trade fair organized in Paris this week.